Spouse needs time alone

4:11 PM,
Apr. 10, 2013

Written by

Carolyn Hax

Carolyn: I waited a long time to get married because I couldn't imagine spending every day with someone. My husband was that person.

Fifteen years later, I don't know if that is still true. Every three to four months he emotionally/mentally checks out - spending hours each evening by himself, reading or playing video games. When I remind him he has checked out and needs to get back to "us," he agrees it is the right thing to do, but the cycle continues.